1989: Mid-Engined Lexus?
Now that Acura revealed details of its mid-engined NSX, was Toyota planning to follow suite, building its own upscale mid-engined sports car for Lexus?
That two-seater wold maintain some of the styling cues of the current Toyota MR2, but would not share any parts. The Lexus was rumored to be powered by a transverse V6 or V8 producing a whopping 300 bhp, thirty more than the Acura NSX. The chassis would feature double wishbones at each wheel, and the cabin would include an on-board navigation system. This new platform was actually gestating within the design and development departments of Toyota since the early 80s. Ever cautious however, Toyota was afraid there would be no market for a Japanese car carrying a price tag “in Porsche territory”. Of course, that was before Acura unveiled its NSX. Ironically, news of the Lexus two-seater first leaked when a journalist, merely asked a Toyota engineer, “will you comment on the med-engined car?” The engineer innocently replied “Which one?”
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